Extensions

Building regulations for extension

Anonymous user 03/03/2024 - 3.32 PM

Hi, I’ve put an offer in for a house that has a single storey rear extension built by the previous vendors. As a result the current vendors say they have no building regulations documentation. There is no evidence of it on the council’s website although it may have been built pre 1990 so I’m not sure if it would have needed planning permission. They don’t know what year it was built. The current vendor is refusing to pay to find out if it had building regulations approval or to get sign off if it hasn’t. Am I right as a buyer to ask to see this certification before I buy? My estate agent is making out this is a rare request. The seller is refusing to obtain these documents - how would I go about getting them, either finding if they exist in the first place or if not, getting someone round to sign it off? And how much would this cost? I don’t want to buy a house without knowing things have been built properly and approved. Thanks, Ben

W Scott Building Services

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Batley

I would always apply for a “Building Control Notice” with the local council for all my extensions even if they are PD (Permitted Development) Covers me, client and and future buyer. In your case, I’d put and application in retrospectively, But you and the seller need to go half half with the costs I reckon 👍. If they want to sell and you want to buy, then happy days, go halves. If you do this, wait for the report and all clear before you buy ! Very best of luck.

Answered15 September 2020

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Matt Gallimore building services Limited

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Lincoln

If the extension has been standing for many years and there is no sign of deterioration such as cracks in the walls and sagging ceilings, then it's unlikely there's anything to worry about. I presume you had a survey done before making your offer so it's unlikely there are any problems the surveyor didn't see. To retrospectively apply for a Building Notice would be a waste of time and money as you would only be able to see things like foundations, drains, floor insulation, ceiling joists, rafters, etc by exposing them which could be very expensive and if it's been there for a long time it's unlikely that it would comply with many of the current building regulations anyway. I wouldn't worry about planning permission if it's within the scope of a permitted development.

Answered27 September 2020

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Anonymous user

If you are set on buying house you can take out an indemnity policy which will cover cost if you ever have to do any work on extention

Answered2 October 2020

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Anonymous user

As above .if there is no signs of structural faults.cracking ect then there's a bigger chance its been built correctly but perhaps not to building regs inspection. I'd be worried about vendors hesitancy in applying for certification. I'd be asking him to at least pay for 2-3 trial pits around extension to check foundations are adequate.if that report is satisfactory then at least youre certain the main part of build is good as if they're not then it would be an expensive re-build.If they're good any other requirements are less expensive above ground.pictures would be good to give a more accurate report.good luck

Answered11 October 2020

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